Tuesday, February 7, 2012

INDYCAR, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series announced today changes to their rulebook.

"A rulebook is written to protect the rights of its competitors and empower the officials," said Race Director, Beaux Barfield. "It's that balance you're trying to strike when you're writing rules, and it's very important in generating the product we long for on-track. I'm confident that we've created the proper balance with this rulebook moving forward this season."

A few of the changes as outlined in INDYCAR's latest release:

• An instant messaging system during events between Race Control and officials, individual entrants or the entire field to communicate track conditions, warnings, penalties or other information. Team managers also will be able to directly contact Race Control. The system will complement radio communication.
• Standard INDYCAR tech bodywork parts must be able to fit a team's car during technical inspection.
• A minimum of two Track Condition Radio steering wheel lights are standard. They will act in unison with dash lights and complement audio and trackside visual caution warning systems.
• Manufacturer points will be awarded on a race-by-race basis and added throughout the season to crown a Manufacturer Champion between Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus. The highest-finishing engine manufacturer earns 9 points; the second highest-placing manufacturer earns 6 points and the third-highest manufacturer receives 4 points.
• An oval Open Test has been added March 13 at Texas Motor Speedway to complement the private test Feb. 19-21 at the 1.5-mile oval and supplement the March 5-6 and March 8-9 Open Test at Sebring International Raceway.

Additional information will likely be released Monday at the State of INDYCAR presentation.